Captain Mark's Mojo Mojito

The recipe I used for the delicious mojito's we had over the weekend is from Randy Wayne White's Gulf Coast Cookbook.
I believe there are 2 other recipes for them in the book but this one worked perfectly for us and was so refreshing.This was the first time I had ever made a mojito and it turns out that they are very easy to make.
So, to fulfill Cathy's request - the recipe:

Ingredients

12 fresh mint leaves plus 1 sprig
4 teaspoons raw sugar
1 lime, cut into quarters
1 1/2 ounces white rum
7 ounces club soda

(This is for one serving. If making a pitcher, double or triple it!)

Place the mint leaves, sugar, and 2 lime quarters in a tall glass. Crush the mint. Pound with the handle of a wooden spoon or a muddle to release the juices (It should become juicy pretty quickly) .
Fill the glass with ice. Add the rum and club soda. Stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint. Drink with a fun straw if you have one!

Mini Vacation

Well hello there blog world. It has been a while but I am now back to it after a few fun filled days with my sister and her boyfriend.
While they were here we went to the beach and the pool, had lots of good food and even did a little thrifting while the boys fished.

We had lots to celebrate. Husband started his new job on Monday, Brittany is graduating from college this week and Sunday was our favorite couple's 1 year Anniversary!!
They went to Las Vegas to celebrate and had a great time. They even came home with a bit of cash. So - congratulations to Albert and Carolyn for still being married!

Here are some photos of our week:
We learned how to make fresh, delicious mojitos and used our pitcher and glasses from thrifting!


We grilled by the water.

And ate some of the best burgers we have ever made.

Brittany and Travis also celebrated their 6th year of dating!
Aren't they cute?


The boys relaxed on the swing together - but not too close together.

We saw gorgeous sunsets.

We went to lunch with husband on his first day of work and then visited the pier in St. Pete. This is pretty much across the street from husband's new office. (A very interesting pier with a restaurant and an aquarium inside)

We saw lots of these guys.


This guy was coming in for a landing. I am so thankful this picture came out!


We relaxed a bit and checked out the water.

We saw dolphins in our backyard - can you see him?
We are so blessed to be able to see these guys quite often.



We really enjoyed our time with Brittany and Travis, as we always do. And we will see them again this weekend for Brittany's big Graduation Celebration!

Seashell Glasses

Lots of things keeping me away from blogging lately. Last week I had to finish lots of work for the end of tax season and then my parents came to visit for 4 days which was a blast!
We have also had some exciting news in our lives...

First I would like to acknowledge that my little sister will be graduating from college in a couple of weeks. Congrats Brittany!
The second is that husband has a new job!!! This happened very suddenly but we couldn't be happier about it. I am so proud of him and beyond grateful for all he does to make our lives completely wonderful.

So I do not have a good post for you all but I should be back at it more regularly now.

For now - here are the really cool seashell glasses I got last weekend at a vintage shop in Ybor. Great price too!

Easter Weekend Finale

Our family spent Easter in Orlando this year. My niece and nephew are down from North Carolina for their spring break so they got to visit Disney on Monday!

Here is our Orlando Easter in review:

First stop - Johnson's Farmers Market. We had to stop for some fresh produce and flowers on our way to visit Grandma Baker.


I love these onions. Onions are one item that I always pick up every time I shop for groceries.

I guess you can't tell here but these sweet potatoes are GIANT.



When we got to Orlando, the kids went swimming and then we baked some bunny rabbit cupcakes. (I think they could pass for cats too)

Tiny and I love to bake together :)

Then we dyed eggs for the Easter bunny to hide. Brittany was really great at this. A real pro.




On Easter Sunday, we looked for eggs and took some pictures in our pretty outfits.



Later the kids had a blast with some more swimming.



Mom and Tiny :)




Cute kids huh?

Easter Recap

While I am unable at this time to do a full post on our Easter weekend, here is a photo to hold some people over who may be complaining that I have not posted (ahem, Brittany).

This is what my family looks like when we all try to get together for a picture:



It's chaos, but we love it! Notice the brace on my dad's hand (fractured wrist) not to mention we are still missing one sister in this photo AND me! Why would I ever use a perfectly good tripod, ever?!

I guess if you double click it you can get a closer look at our fun ;)
I hope everyone's Easter was filled with wonderful blessings and most of all, family.